Pneumaticall time delayed bow release

ABSTRACT

A pneumatically time delayed bowstring release assembly for use with a bowstring affixed to a bow is disclosed. The bowstring release assembly is comprised of a release mechanism operated by a trigger that is time delayed by a pneumatic vacuum cylinder. The time delay of the pneumatic vacuum cylinder is controlled by the amount of airflow into the vacuum cylinder by means of an adjustable air intake valve. The cylinder is forced upwardly by an internal spring within the cylinder that is controlled by the vacuum until the air vent releases the pressure completely thus allowing the operator to reload the device.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] This invention relates to the field of archery and specificallyto the design of time delayed bow release apparatus used to mechanicallyrelease the bowstring for greater accuracy.

[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0004] Basis of Need

[0005] Improvements in technology within the field of archery havebrought about many changes in bows and shooting technique. Compound bowsshoot at a much faster speed than the older recurves and straight bows.The faster speeds have brought about a much greater need for accuracy.Accuracy is directly affected by the manner in which the archer releasesthe arrow. Historically, archers used their fingers to release thearrows. This proved to be very difficult due to the fact that there wasinconsistency in the way that the string would come off the ends of thefingers. As technology changed archers began to utilize mechanicalrelease devices. These devices provided much greater accuracy becausethe release was very consistent. A psychosomatic reaction commonlyreferred to as “target panic” was identified in the October issue ofArchery Magazine entitled “More on Target Panic” p.6. This phenomenontakes place when the archer flinches at the exact time of the release ofthe arrow thus adversely affecting the destination of the shot. Thepsychological anticipation of shock coming from the bow release causesthis uncontrollable reflex. Many products have been developed to helpalleviate this problem. However, most of the products involve somephysical force on the part of the archer to release the arrow.

[0006] Trigger Releases

[0007] Many bow release devices currently exist that utilize triggerpull mechanism to fire the bow. These mechanisms require that the archerapply a steady pressure without any “target panic.”

[0008] By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,257,387 to Towsend discloses abow string release device manually operated. U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,924 toTodd discloses a similar apparatus using a roller device.

[0009] Back Tension Releases

[0010] Other devices are in existence that involves a hinge releasemechanism in which the archer exerts a back pulling motion to releasethe arrow. These devices are generally classified as back-tensionreleases. These devices involve a physical pulling action on the part ofthe archer. The archer does not have an exact awareness of exactly whenthe bow will fire. While there is significant improvement over thetrigger releases, there is still the possibility of target panic orjerking the device.

[0011] Electronic Releases

[0012] Electronic time delay bowstring release apparatus devices allowedthe archer to activate a switch to activate the device. The time delaywas performed electronically and was adjustable and was also availablewith a random delay feature.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,023 to Kolak discloses a bowstring releaseapparatus using an electrical time delayed release device. U.S. Pat. No.5,575,269 to Harklau discloses an electronic time delay with a randomdelay feature. The electronic time delay devices were found to be lessreliable, and in some cases, were considered unsafe for use by somearchers. The batteries used to operate these devices tended to expirewithout warning and many times caused inconsistency and even failure inoperation during critical shots.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In view of the disadvantages inherent with prior art apparatusdescribed above, the present invention provides an improvedpneumatically time delayed bowstring releasing apparatus with a saferoperation and more reliable function. The present invention incorporatesall of the advantages of a time-delayed operation, except for therandomizing function that is not considered by some archers to be anadvantage. The device does not rely on batteries that expire withoutwarning or cause inconsistency in timing of the operation of thisdevice.

[0015] The invention discloses a pneumatically time delayed bowstringrelease apparatus for use with a bowstring affixed to a bow. The deviceis comprised of caliper heads that grip the string of the bow during thedraw process. The caliper heads are operated by a wedge shaped platewith anti-friction device that moves along a spline track on the supportbody in claim 1. The base of the trigger piece moves the wedge shapedplate by means of pivotal connection to the support body in claim 1. Thepneumatic time delay device of claim 1 holds the trigger. The pneumatictime delay device is comprised of a vacuum cylinder that performs thetime delay function of the release apparatus. The pneumatic time delaydevice is secured to the trigger and to the support body of claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 discloses said pneumatically time delayed bowstring releaseapparatus of claim 1 in open position.

[0017]FIG. 1 depicts detailing of sub-components of the pneumaticallytime delayed bowstring release apparatus as follows:

[0018]1. A support body casing;

[0019]2. Two caliper release heads;

[0020]3. A trigger;

[0021]4. A wedge shaped plate with integral groove to receive spline onsupport body casing shown in component No. 1;

[0022]5. Two anti-friction devices on both sides of the wedge shapedplate;

[0023]6. A spline track on support body casing;

[0024]7. A spring;

[0025]8. Attachment screws to secure both caliper heads to support bodycasing;

[0026]9. A pivotal connection to secure trigger to support body casingin sub-component No. 1;

[0027]10. Pneumatic device air chamber housing;

[0028]11. Pneumatic piston;

[0029]12. Air relief vent;

[0030]13. Air seal gasket;

[0031]14. Spring;

[0032]15. Adjustable air vent device;

[0033]16. Pivotal connection;

[0034]17. Support body connector;

[0035]FIG. 2 Illustrates pneumatically time delayed bowstring releaseapparatus in closed position.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0036] The pneumatically time delayed bowstring release apparatus ofclaim 1 and drawings and in particular, to FIG. 1 and 2 thereof, thepreferred embodiment of the new and improved time delayed bowstringrelease apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the presentinvention will be described.

[0037] Specifically, the present invention includes five majorcomponents. The major components are the caliper release heads, thewedge shaped plate with anti-friction device, the trigger, the pneumatictime delay apparatus and the support body. These components are designedto interrelate to provide the intended time delayed firing of the bowand projectile.

[0038] The first major component is the caliper heads. The heads aredesigned with a place to receive bowstring. Said caliper heads areforced apart by the spring shown by sub-component No. 7 when in the openposition. Said caliper heads are pivotally connected to support body bymeans of screw fasteners as shown by sub-component No. 8.

[0039] The second major component is the wedge shaped plate illustratedas sub-component No. 4. Said wedge shaped plate contains an integralgroove to receive spline illustrated by sub-component No. 6. Said wedgeshaped plate is forced by trigger illustrated by sub-component No. 3into closed position by a pulling force supplied by the archer duringthe drawing process. Anti-friction device allows wedge shaped plate tomove into closed position with minimal resistance.

[0040] The third major component is the trigger piece. This component ispivotally connected to the support body by means of a screw attachment.The base of the trigger piece is rounded to provide for operation ofwedge shaped plate during movement toward closed position.

[0041] The fourth major component is the pneumatic time delayed releasedevice. Said component is pivotally connected to the trigger at the endof the piston and also pivotally connected as shown in sub-component No.16 to the support body connector as illustrated in sub-component No. 16at the lower end of the pneumatic air chamber housing illustrated insub-component No. 10.

[0042] The fifth major component is the support body housing andconnector. The support body illustrated by sub-component No. 1 iscoupled with support body connector illustrated by sub-component No. 17by a pivotal connection allowing for minor rotation movement of theapparatus during the drawing process. The end of the support bodyconnector illustrated as sub-component No. 17 is designed to connect toa grip or wrist pull attachment used to pull the device. Said grip orwrist pull device is not shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. The connectionbetween grip or wrist pull device is pivotal and allows for rotation ofthe device during the drawing of the bow.

[0043] The description and explanation of the concept surrounding andrelating to this invention is intended to depict general relationshipsof operation. It is anticipated that modifications, refinements, andchanges will occur to those skilled in the art. It is not desired orintended that this invention be limited to the exact construction andoperation shown or illustrated herein. All suitable modifications,refinements, enhancements, and minor changes to this concept areintended to be within the scope of this invention.

1. A pneumatically time delayed bowstring release apparatus for use witha bow and projectile, comprising of the following: A support body; Abowstring release assembly; A trigger assembly pivotally connected tosaid support body that operates said bowstring release device; A wedgeplate with spline guides with anti-friction device; A pneumatic vacuumtime delay assembly;
 2. The pneumatic vacuum time delay assembly ofclaim 1 includes an adjustable characteristic allowing the user toadjust the time delay of the projectile firing to the desired timeperiod. Said vacuum assembly includes the following; A piston withpivotal connection; A seal; A spring; A relief air vent; An adjustableintake air control valve;
 3. An improved method of delayed firing of bowand projectile. The present invention provides a more reliableoperation. The archer is allowed to focus entirely on aiming and not onhand movement or fear of “target panic” using the following technique:Drawing bowstring with archer's finger holding trigger of claim 1 inclosed position until full draw of bow is accomplished; Bowstring isheld in closed position by pneumatically time delayed bowstring releaseapparatus with finger pressure applied by archer to trigger until targetis located; Bowstring is held in place by pneumatically time delayedbowstring release apparatus after finger pressure is released until userdefined time period is expired and the release apparatus is opened thusfiring the projectile of claim 1: The arrow is fired by the delay of thedevice and not by any physical movement of the archer's hand; The bowmay be released or let down at any time prior to firing. The archerapplies finger pressure on the trigger to stop or alter the time delayfunction of the pneumatically time delayed bowstring release apparatusthus offering a safer means of operation;